Jimmy Thelin next Aberdeen manager development as Elfsborg set to confirm new boss 'within 24 hours'

Swedish coach edges closer to Pittodrie move

Aberdeen are closing in on the appointment of Jimmy Thelin as their new manager. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Jimmy Thelin has taken a step closer to becoming the next Aberdeen manager amid reports Elfsborg are on the verge of appointing his replacement.

The Dons have identified the 46-year-old Swede as their number one target with an agreement understood to be in place for him to take charge of the Pittodrie club on June 1.

Elfsborg have been taking steps to prepare for Thelin’s departure with Oscar Hiljemark, the head coach of Danish side AaB, reported to have reached an agreement to take over from his fellow countryman at the Allsvenskan club.

According to Scandavanian outlet Tipsbladet, Hiljemark said his farewells to the AaB squad following the defeat to Hobro on Friday evening and he could be presented as the new Elfsborg boss within the next 24 hours, paving the way for Thelin to join Aberdeen.

Thelin, who led Elfsborg to a runners-up finish in the Swedish top flight last season, is expected to bring assistants Emir Bajrami and Christer Persson with him ready to start work on day one of the Dons’ pre-season.

Aberdeen have been without a permanent manager since parting company with Barry Robson on January 31. He was replaced by Neil Warnock on an interim basis but the Englishman lasted just 34 days in the job.

First-team coach Peter Leven is currently in caretaker charge and is expected to lead the Dons until the end of the season with a Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic at Hampden next up this Saturday.